Packing

A piece of advice I got about this trip is to pack a couple of days early.  So I did.  This is a photo of the inside of my suitcase as of right now.  I'm very worried about how much this bag is going to cost me.  I will check it in Tulsa, but it's my understanding that it may have to be checked a couple of times on the way there and on the way back.  I also have a pretty full carry on.  I decided to go with a backpack for the carry on.

Flight preparation

Aspirin and knee highs for circulation.  Amber Cowan told me yesterday about someone she knows who got a blood clot on an international flight.

Hand wipes for quick hand and face washing.  They can also be disposed of in the toilet.  You never know when they may come in handy.  Some stranger at Reasor's told me to pack tp.  I guess this will work.

Wal-Dram because I'm sensitive to motion sickness.  (I get sick in the car between here and Fayetteville).

Emergen-C to build up my immunity before the trip.

Pepto (Sooth) because it just taste so dang good.

I also plan to pack something to knock me out.  Amberdawn also suggests I pack earplugs and a mask.  Stephen says I need a beach towel to cover up with on the plane.  Anything else I'm missing?  I got the flight pillow, passport and other documents, extra outfit, toothbrush and toothpaste.

8 days!

Dilene and I leave Tulsa International Airport next Tuesday, June 14!  It's so close, and I have a lot to take care of between now and then.  Here's a bit of my to do list.

Need to make copies of my passport, flight itinerary, bank card, prescriptions, and insurance for Gene (my husband) and for Dilene (my traveling companion).  If I should lose the originals, I can get the information quickly from one of these people.  I also need to give Dilene my emergency contacts.  I've already given Gene my contact information while I'm in Jordan.

I also need to buy an international phone card and circulation hose for the long flight (Dilene's suggestion). Jenn Martin has also suggested some items for my carry on:  an extra outfit, meds, chargers, baby wipes, snacks, toothpaste and toothbrush, Emergen-C, and a digestive cookie.  (It's been suggested to me that I just try to knock myself out for during the long flight).

While in Jordan, I will need sunscreen, sunglasses, sweater, head scarf, sturdy walking shoes, plug adapter, camera, business cards, NSU branded gifts, and guidebook.

The preparation is a lot of work!  Does anyone else have any suggestions for me?

Passport, electrical adapters, head coverings, and long dresses

My students will tell you that I am a fan of discomfort.  I believe that discomfort leads to a person's growth.  Discomfort tells us that our current paradigms are being challenged.  I am taking a trip to Jordan because I needed growth.  My life had become too routine.  And, boy, am I feeling the discomfort.  The raw, nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach discomfort.

Preparing for a trip to Amman has been a challenge.  The CIEE has been great to communicate expectations, agendas, suggested readings, packing lists, etc. to conference attendees, but it is overwhelming.  There is so much uncertainty.  I bought an electrical adapter at Best Buy, and the salesperson told me NOT to plug a hairdryer or a flat iron into it.  Huh?  Am I supposed to spend a week with wet, stringy hair??  The suggested packing list said to bring a head covering and long dresses with sleeves.  I'm so conflicted about that.  I'd rather wear capris, short sleeve shirts, and no head covering.  I want to show respect within this culture, but will I also be taking a part in oppression of women by taking part in local customs?  I'm teaching an online class during the 8-week summer session, but will I be able to get (and afford) internet during the trip?  Will I be able to blog?  Will I be able to communicate with family and friend?  What will it be like to be in foreign airports and go through that process?  Will my suitcase get searched?  Will my suitcase even make it?  How in the heck do I get everything in one bag anyway???

It's all very scary to me, but it's also very necessary.  I will be a better teacher after this trip.  I will also be a better global citizen.

A note for my current and former students reading this:  I am doing this for you.  Many of you have taken some big, scary risks because I asked you to trust me.  Now it's my turn.